Shaquem Griffin: I'm more than 'just a feel-good story'

One of the best stories in the lead-up to this year's draft has been the rise of UCF linebacker Shaquem Griffin, who has made headlines as a congenital amputee.

While Griffin is happy to inspire others with physical disabilities wanting to compete in sports, he doesn't want NFL teams viewing him as someone with just an inspiring story to tell.

"I'm definitely not just a feel-good story,'' Griffin told Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. "A feel-good story doesn't make it this far. I had to be a football player. I had to make plays.

"A feel-good story is he has one hand and plays football. I worked my butt off so what they could say about me is, 'He makes plays, he makes a difference and is a guy who can make turnovers. He's a guy who can contribute to us winning.'''

Related: Where should Shaquem Griffin be drafted?

Griffin, the twin brother of Seattle Seahawks cornerback Shaquill Griffin, certainly showed he could ball at the collegiate level, notching 18.5 sacks and 33.5 tackles for loss over the past two seasons. He was voted a second-team All-American in 2017 and a two-time first-team All-AAC player while at UCF, where he served as team captain last season.

It is tough to tell where Griffin will be drafted, but the linebacker certainly has confidence he'll be selected, as he'll be one of 22 prospects to attend the first round on Thursday.